Classics and Lost Classes at Whitefriars S.C.
A fascinating assortment of boats gathered at Whitefriars Sailing Club on Sunday 29th March for the first CVRDA meeting of the year, delayed from a snow bound February. There were boats with beautiful varnish work, with Merlin 6 sporting a new wooden mast and 60 year old cotton sails, a beautifully turned out Firefly hitting the water for the 1st time after her restoration and an all varnished International Canoe on her 1st outing with Bert, her new owner. Others lacked the beauty but made up for it in rarity. Nigel’s Pisces and Beachcomber (sailed by Tom) came for a visit, and local boats the Skol Moth and Tonic played too.
The frosty night made for a chilly start to the day, but the sun soon warmed things up. The wind was fitful, and it took great concentration and a large slice of luck to stay out of the holes.
In the 2 handicap races, there was a 3 way battle for top spot, with Rupert Whelan in his Tonic narrowly winning out from Michael Brigg in his shining Firefly and Chris and Lois Barlow in Iska, Merlin 6. The battle for the next 3 places was even closer, with Matt Andrews in his 1971 Skol International Moth, David Henshall and Roger Devereux in a Smokers Satisfaction Merlin Rocket and Matt’s dad John in a GRP Finn all finishing with 10 points.
The Pursuit race saw the Tonic using local knowledge and luck to stay in front.
Many thanks to Dave Whittle and his race and tea bar team, who did a great job.
Results
Main event
1st Rupert Whelan Tonic
2nd Michael Brigg Firefly 3184
3rd Chris and Lois Barlow Merlin 6
4th Matt Andrews International Moth
5th Dougal and Roger Merlin Rocket 3025
6th John Andrews Finn 468
7th Bert International Canoe 135
8th Nigel Pisces 203
9th Tom Andrews Beachcomber
Pursuit Race
1st Rupert Whelan Tonic
2nd Chris and Lois Barlow Merlin 6
3rd Michael Brigg Firefly 3184